Bill > H1152

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 271 of the General Laws by adding a new section that defines and exempts "social card games" from certain regulations, essentially clarifying that these types of games are permissible. A social card game is defined as a card game like poker or bridge where the winnings for any player in a single game or session do not exceed $50, and no single player contributes more than $10 throughout the entire session. Additionally, all money wagered must be distributed back to the players by the end of the session, all participants must be natural persons playing in person on equal terms, and no one should profit from organizing or hosting the game beyond their personal winnings. The bill explicitly states that hosting or playing in such a social card game will not lead to prosecution, arrest, or conviction, although private establishments retain the right to prohibit these games on their premises.